Panasonic's setup materials outline very specifically what environments are ideal for the power-line adapters. The best setup is to plug each adapter directly into a wall outlet and not into a power strip. If you must plug it into a power strip, it should be one that doesn't have a noise filter or a surge protector, which may strip out the network data. Also, certain devices, such as hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, and lights or lamps that have a touch-sensitive on/off switch, can cause interference if set too close to the adapters.
Security over a wired network isn't as much of a concern as on a wireless network, but the Panasonic HD-PLC still has some security features. First, any adapter that wasn't first registered to the master can't communicate with the network, even if it's plugged into a wall outlet that's on the electrical system. Secondly, data sent over the network is secured with AES 128-bit encryption.
In our Labs-based throughput tests, the Panasonic HD-PLC adapters clocked in at 35.4Mbps. While this is well short of Panasonic's advertised theoretical maximum rate of 190Mbps, it's still far faster than a standard broadband connection, so it will more than suffice for surfing the Web. As far as the high-definition aspect of the product name, according to our home video experts at CNET, the Panasonic Ethernet adapters' throughput should suffice for transmitting high-definition video content.
Panasonic covers the HD-PLC adapters with a one-year warranty, which is fairly standard for networking equipment. Panasonic inexplicably categorizes its power-line Ethernet adapters under Network Cameras (a subcategory of Computer Products). A scan through the Network Cameras FAQs showed nothing specific to the Ethernet adapters. The support and resources tab on the product page surfaced only an electronic copy of the operating instructions. To contact Panasonic for tech support, you can fill out an online e-mail form or call the toll-free number listed under Network Cameras from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
